Bears notes: Manning faces heavy workload

Danieal Manning has been given chances to start at four different positions in the past. Now he’ll get a chance to start at three of those at the same time.

Matt Trowbridge

Danieal Manning has been given chances to start at four different positions in the past. Now he’ll get a chance to start at three of those at the same time.

The Bears have Manning penciled in as the starter at free safety, nickel back and kick returner when they open their 2009 training camp at 3 p.m. on Friday. In the past, Manning failed in short stints at cornerback and safety, but did well last year at nickel back and led the NFL in kick returns when he replaced Devin Hester at midseason.

"We’ve moved him around a lot; that’s been documented," coach Lovie Smith said. "That normally makes you a better player."

Manning would play free safety on running downs and slide over to nickel back on passing downs, with Craig Steltz then moving to free safety. Smith said it won’t be a problem for Manning and Hester, Chicago’s No. 1 wide receiver, to be fulltime starters and also the team’s kickoff and punt returners.

"Both players feel comfortable doing that. Both players want to do that," Smith said. "And in order for us to win, we need them to do it."

Bowman takes Tillman’s spot

Zackary Bowman gets the first chance to replace cornerback Charles Tillman, who will be out four to 10 weeks after having back surgery. Bowman was a fifth-round draft pick last year who had an interception and recovered a fumble for a touchdown in the only game he played last year before getting injured against Minnesota. He was a standout during Chicago’s organized team activities earlier this summer.

"He did a good job when he was given an opportunity then," said Smith, who added that Corey Graham, Trumaine McBride and rookie D.J. Moore will also get a good look.

Full go for Tommie Harris

Pro Bowl defensive tackle Tommie Harris is coming off two consecutive disappointing and injury-plagued seasons and was held out of most action during the Bears’ OTAs.

"Tommie wasn’t 100 percent in some of the offseason work. He is now," Smith said. "So our plan is for Tommie to get right into the mix just like the rest of our players.

"Players who have had injuries in the past, we watch them closely. We’ll do that with Tommie, but Tommie is ready to go. Tommie can be the best lineman in the game, and he’s healthy right now. He’s excited to have a chance to play at that level."